There is no doubt that the kidneys are important to removing mercury. However, you seem to be implying that the liver does not do the same; that is quite unproven, and a growing body of evidence claims just the opposite. You might want to google a phrase like "biliary secretion of mercury." Measurements in humans have shown that the amount of mercury eliminated in the stool can be equal to the amount from the kidneys. Four possible mechanisms were proposed in that study, including via the bile. Another study in humans correlated the amount of mercury in bile, and its deposition in gallstones with increasing exposure to mercury. Experimentally, it has been shown that tying the gallbladder shut, or reducing glutathione stores in the liver reduces clearance of mercury by the body. It has also been shown that demethylation of mercury by the liver can lead to inorganic mercury accumulation in the liver. As far as herbs go, there is some evidence that garlic can protect somewhat against mercury - possibly by increasing glutathione.

Could we use the compost to heat water--similar to permie_josh's use of compost-heated water for his outdoor shower--then circulate the warmed water into a filled, black water barrel. You could probably run a small water pump on solar power. The black water barrel would then be a constant source of warmed water, making it more functional for watering and more functional as the night-time heat sink we want it to be. You could even put the water pump on a timer so it runs only at night, preventing daytime overheating. Has anyone tried something like this? Does this idea sound crazy? I'm considering trying it in my own greenhouse (I'm very inspired by the compost-warmed shower) so if you have suggestions on improving this plan, please share! permie_josh, can you give me some more detailed information about how you heated the water? Did you turn the compost pile with the pipe coiled in it? How did you add additional compost to keep the temp up? Does anyone else have experience with this method?

O.K. Let me rephrase that! I have read on the Growing Spaces forum about some people in the PNW having problems with rain coming in through the open solar vents. I believe that the solution was to have a rain deflector built over the opening. The last that I had time to look, most of the ones located in Oregon were coastal. I'm 30 to 40 miles from the coast as the crow flies. Here is a Google photo link! I'm actually to the right of where they're putting the arrow! The photo isn't really up to date either. I've expanded the ponds and tried to naturalise the watershed back to a more natural state. I've been doing what I can to control erosion! The difference between the basic purpose that they use it for and my needs are the temperature requirements. I don't need to keep it at 80F all winter, but I can't have it dropping below 60F or so. I did originally plan on having a hothouse built inside of a greenhouse from the beginning. That was put on the side for a while and might have to be worked in again. It would be more efficient, as not all of my orchids require constant higher temps. Many of them actually need a variation and/or a seasonal dormancy. I want to have a lot of space. I know how easy it is to outgrow something. I also plan on growing vegetables all winter and will use it to overwinter plants from outside. I have huge pots of lemon grass, citrus, etc. I eat virtually all organic. I was raised that way anyway. I stopped eating all fast food years ago because I got so ill from it. Lately, I have been finding out that there are many things that I'm very allergic to. Virtually everything that has been processed. I always thought that I was sensitive to GM foods. I'm finding out that it's pretty much all glutens and several other common things. The gardens do well all summer, but I want to grow a lot for the winter as well. So, I'm trying to kill as many birds with one stone as possible. One of my primary concerns has also been about earthquakes. I know that it's just a matter of time before we have a big one. I'm not paranoid about them. I've spent my whole life living on the Pacific Ring of Fire around the world. We had a major fire here four years ago. It demonstrated how easily my area would be cut off from the outside. Even the major roads are tenous at best! I like to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Even if nothing happens in my lifetime, I'll have one hell of a greenhouse!:) Scott Here is a link that might be useful: My location

I bought some garlic from WGG last year, they have very reasonable prices and good quality. I have been waiting impatiently for a few months to see when they will start taking orders for this year! dcarch: I would suggest using an Asiatic variety such as Korean Mountain or Asian Tempest for making black garlic. The Asiatic varieties are generally short storing which is probably why the black garlic curing/aging process was invented in the first place. A Turban variety might make a good substitute if you can't find any Asiatics.